A recent meeting of Benue state socio-cultural and religious groups condemned President Muhammadu Buhari, the Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom, the army and the police chiefs for their insensitivity to the killing of Agatu people by armed Fulani herdsmen.

The groups expressed bitterness over the fact that neither the President nor any other federal government official has visited the scene of gruesome massacre.

A communique issued after the combined meeting of Mdzough U Tiv, the Idoma National Forum and the Omi Ny’Igede, reads in part:

“The inability of the President, the nation’s Army and Police Chiefs, and the Governor of Benue State to visit the worst affected communities of Agatu and other areas where recent mass murder attacks were carried out for on the spot assessment of the level of devastation indicates lack of seriousness deserving of the crisis.”

“The delay in setting up the Presidential Investigation Panel promised by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is also becoming worrisome.”

“The proposed Town Hall Meeting by the Federal Government is not only diversionary, but a deliberate ploy to downplay the degree of attention and seriousness that should be accorded the invasion of our land.”

“We reject the Federal Government’s proposal at this time, but insist on Judicial Commission of Enquiry to unravel the root cause(s) of the massacre of our people. We advise that all relevant government agencies saddled with the responsibilities of home land security begin the process of disarming Fulani herdsmen across the country to avoid a counter arms buildup by helpless communities in self defence.”

Mazi Emeka